Propelling shoe for use in an irrigation system

ABSTRACT

An irrigation system of the type which includes an above ground, moving elongated water distribution pipe. In such systems, the pipe is pivotally supported at one end, and a plurality of spaced movable members support the pipe between the pivoted end and the opposite end. Drive means pivot the pipe about the pivot support. The drive means includes propelling shoe means on the movable support member and which engage the ground to assist in pivoting the pipe. Each shoe includes a planar lower plate having a surface which is slidable along the ground. An aperture is provided in the planar plate. A drive shaft is pivotally interconnected to the shoe means and is pivotal relative to the shoe means, between first and second angular positions. A drive cleat member is operatively interconnected to the drive shaft. The drive cleat includes a planar portion which is guidably passed through the aperture in the planar plate of the shoe means, transversely thereto, in order to assist in pivoting the pipe, about the pivot support. The drive cleat is movable, in response to the movement of the drive shaft, between a ground disengaged position when the shaft is at the first angular position, and a maximum ground penetrating condition when the drive shaft is at the second angular position.

United States Patent Dowd [ Feb. 18, 1975 PROPELLING SHOE FOR USE IN AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM [76] Inventor: Leo J. Dowd, 117 S-. Parkway,

Columbus, Nebr.

[221 Filed: Mar. 11, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 449,629

[52] US. Cl 239/177, 239/212, 180/4 [51] Int. Cl... B05b 3/02, B62m 27/02, B62m 29/02 [58] Field of Search 239/177, 212; 180/4; 137/344 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,302,656 2/1967 Boone 180/4 X 3.373939 3/1968 Dowd 239/177 3,500,856 3/1970 Boone et al 239/177 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 110,032 6/1928 Austria 180/4 1,071,671 6/1967 Great Britain 180/4 Primary Examiner-Robert S. Ward, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Molinare, Allegretti, Newitt & Witcoff [57] ABSTRACT An irrigation system of the type which includes an above ground, moving elongated water distribution pipe. In such systems, the pipe is pivotally supported at one end, and a plurality of spaced movable members support the pipe between the pivoted end and the opposite end. Drive means pivot the pipe about the pivot support. The drive means includes propelling shoe means on the movable support member and which engage the ground to assist in pivoting the pipe. Each shoe includes a planar lower plate having a surface which is slidable along the ground. An aperture is provided in the planar plate. A drive shaft is pivotally interconnected to the shoe means and is pivotal relative to the shoe means, between first and second angular positions. A drive cleat member is operatively interconnected to the drive shaft. The drive cleat includes a planar portion which is guidably passed through the aperture in the planar plate of the shoe means, transversely thereto, in order to assist in pivoting the pipe, about the pivot support. The drive cleat is movable, in response to the movement of the drive shaft, between a ground disengaged position when the 6 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENTED 8W5 3. 866 835 saw an? 5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention and Description of the Prior Art This invention relates to irrigation systems of the type wherein an elongated, above ground, water distribution pipe is pivoted at one end of the pipe, with the pipe being supported by a plurality of spaced mobile supports.

One common irrigation system used in farming areas is of the type wherein an elongated, horizontal water distribution pipe is rotated above the ground about an upright axis at one of its ends. While one end is pivotable about a fixed axis, the opposite or outer end of the pipe rotates to define a closed path of travel, normally circular. It is common for these irrigation systems to irrigate a relatively large area, as a quarter section or 160 acres. This means that the water distribution pipes may be as long as about 1300 feet or one-quarter of a mile. One of the basic problems with these irrigation systems, is that the pipe must be maintained in substantial linear alignment, from the inner pivoted end to the outer, moving end. A plurality of mobile supports are spaced along the length of the pipe to provide support therefor, with the outermost support generally being considered as the main mobile support. These irrigation systerns are commonly operated by a reciprocating cable, commonly driven by water power coming from flow of the irrigation water from a supply pipe. A typical reciprocating power cable system is shown, for example, in my U.S. Pat. No. 3,373,939. In this patent, each of the mobile supports is movably supported on the ground by a set of shoes. For example, front and rear sliding shoes are provided with ground engaging propelling shoes to be positioned intermediate the front and rear sliding shoes. Although the mobile support may be moved by wheels, such as in my US. Pat. No. 3,353,750, the present invention involves improvements in the design of the propelling shoe.

As indicated earlier, one of the basic requirements for proper operation of these irrigation systems is that the water supply pipe is to be maintained in substantial linear alignment during its pivoting movement. Both in the mobile shoe support system, and in the mobile wheel support system, various mechanisms are provided for assuring that the intermediate and outer mobile supports are maintained in substantial alignment so that the pipe is also maintained in substantial linear alignment.

The mobile supports and thereby the water distribution pipe can become misaligned from a variety of causes, as the uneven nature of the terrain, and slippage between the ground and the ground engaging elements of the propelling shoe. Although various mechanisms are provided for adjusting the mobile supports back into alignment, it is desirable to avoid any ground slippage so that these alignment problems are alleviated. By their nature, these irrigation systems water the crop so that the ground on which the irrigation system moves becomes muddy, causing clogging of fixed cleats on propelling shoes. In the propelling shoe system, the undesired slippage can occur even on the propelling shoe with cleats of the type shown in my US. Pat. No. 3,373.939. because the mud or dirt can clog the downwardly projecting, ground engaging cleats of the propelling shoe. When this happens, the propelling shoe does not properly dig into the ground was to movably support the mobile support without significant slippage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, it is an important object of this invention to provide animproved propelling shoe for use in a self propelledirrigation system wherein the design of the shoe greatly alleviates slippage between the ground and the propelling shoe.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an improved propelling shoe in a self-propelled irrigation system, wherein the shoe is constructed and arranged so that the ground engaging cleats thereon are substantially cleaned of dirt in each cycle of operation to thereby better assure proper digging or engagement of the cleats with the ground.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved propelling shoe for moving the mobile supports of an irrigation system wherein the ground engaging portion of the shoe includes an aperture and a cleat moves in and out of the apertures so as to be substantially cleaned by such movement in and out of the apertures.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an improved propelling shoe for a self-propelled irrigation system wherein a self cleaning propelling shoe is provided and is characterized by its simplicity and economy of construction and effectiveness in operation.

Further purposes and objects of this invention will appear as the specification proceeds.

The foregoing objects are accomplished by providing, in an irrigation system of the type which'includes an elongated water distribution pipe, a support for pivotally mounting the pipe at one end, support members spaced along the pipe between one end and the outer end thereof, and drive means for pivoting the pipe about its pivot support, the drive means including an improved propelling shoe which has a substantially planar lower ground contacting surface with at least one aperture defined in the planar surface, a drive shaft privotally interconnected to the shoe, the drive shaft being pivotable relative to the shoe meansbetween first and second angular postions', a drive cleat is operatively interconnected to the drive shaft, and is guidably received by the aperture in the shoe in a direction transverse of the shoe for movement into the ground for assisting in avoiding ground slippage so that the pipe pivots about the pivot support, the cleat being movable in response to angular movement of the drive shaft between a ground disengaged condition, when the drive shaft is at its first angular position and a maximum ground penetration condition when the drive shaft is at its second angular position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Particular embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the lower portion of a mobile support having ground engaging shoes including one embodiment of my improved self-cleaning, propelling shoe;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detailed view illustrating the improved propelling shoe of the embodiment of FIG. 1 during the maximum ground penetrating condition of the cleat means thereon;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing the cleat means in the ground disengaged position;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing another preferred form of my improved self cleaning propelling shoe;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the improved propelling shoe of the embodiment of FIG. 8 wherein the cleat is in the maximum ground penetrating position;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the cleat in the ground disengaged position;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 14 is an overall view of the water distribution system of the type utilizing my self-cleaning, propelling shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 14, a mobile or self propelled irrigation system. generally 10, using my improved propelling shoe. generally 12 is shown. The irrigation assembly 10 includes an upright water supply pipe 14 which is connected to a water supply and is interconnected at its upper end to the elongated horizontal water distribution pipe 16 which distributes water over a field to be irrigated. The upright supply pipe 14 passes upwardly centrally of a support member 18 which pivotally supports the inner or pivotally supported end 20 of the water distribution pipe 16.

The outer moving end of the water distribution pipe 16 is supported by a main or outer mobile support, generally 22.

A plurality of spaced intermediate mobile supports 24 are located between the outer support 22 and the fixed pivot support 18. A flexible power cable 26 is reciprocated in response to water flow, in a conventional manner, and ultimately imparts motion to the propelling shoe 12 associated with the outer support 22 and main support 24. The intermediate supports 24 are also operated by a flexible control cable 28, which becomes operative when one of the intermediate supports 24 lags behind or moves ahead of alignment with the main support 22 and the other intermediate supports 24. A drive connection, generally 30, imparts motion to the propelling shoes 14 in a conventional manner.

Many details of the irrigation system 10 are not shown in FIG. 14 which is intended only to provide general information. For a more detailed discussion of the operating details of the irrigation system 10, reference is made to my prior patents, particularly U.S. Pat. No. 3,373,939.

For purposes of discussion herein, attention is directed to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 and to the embodiment of FIGS. 8-13. In both of these embodiments, to be discussed hereinafter, only the principal portions of the irrigation system 10 associated with the drive shoe 12 used on an intermediate support 24 will be discussed. It is to be understood however, that the shoe 12 is also to be used with the outer or main mobile support 22.

Referring to FIG. 1, the intermediate support 24 includes a forward forked shaft or brace 32 and a rear forked shaft or brace 34. A sliding shoe, generally 38. is secured to the lower end of both the forward forked shaft 32 and the rear forked shaft 34. The sliding shoe 38 is planar and includes an upwardly directed front end 40in the general shape of a ski. The planar portion of the shoe 38 provides sliding movement of the support 24, along the ground. An upright bracket 36 is welded to the upper surface of the sliding shoe 38 and a pair of spaced pins 42 non-rotatably secure both the front brace 32 and the rear brace 34 to the front and rear sliding shoes 38, respectively. A pair of cross braces 44 provide additional structural support for the intermediate support 24. The lower end of each cross bar 44 is secured to each sliding shoe 38 by means of the upper pin 42. The upper end of each cross brace 44 is secured to a portion of the support 24.

A portion of the drive connection 30 for propelling the drive or propelling shoe 12 along the ground is shown in FIG. 1. The portion of the drive connection 30, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a portion of a bell crank 46. An arm 48 of the bell crank 46 rotates a transverse drive shaft 50 in response to reciprocating motion imparted by the power cable 26 as seen in FIG. 14. The drive shaft 50 also rotates the ratchet wheel 52 and a crank arm 54. The crank arm 54 is pivotally interconnected by a pin 56 to a jack shaft or shoe drive shaft 58, which is defined by a pair of spaced side channel members 59. In the case of the intermediate support 24, in order to detect misalignment of an intermediate support with the other intermediate supports 24 and the outer support 22, the flexible cable 28 operates the driving dog 62 for also rotating the ratchet wheel 52. A locking dog 64 is provided in order to prevent reverse movement of the ratchet wheel 52. The foregoing structure is generally conventional in irrigation systems of the type shown in FIG. 14 and the details thereof are seen in my aforementioned U.S. patent. The combination of elements, to be hereinafter described, constitutes the important features of my invention and is directed to the self-cleaning propelling shoe 12.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 27, the details of the propelled, self-cleaning shoe 12 are seen. The propelling shoe 12, in the embodiment of FIG. 1-7, comprises a substantially planar or flat plate 66 which is movable along the ground. The front portion 68 of the planar member 66 is bent upwardly in the manner of a ski so as to facilitate sliding movement thereof along the ground. Desirably, a pair of side support bars 70 are positioned along the opposite longitudinal edges of the plate 66 to provide structural support therefor. A pair of laterally spaced upright brackets 72 are welded to the central upper surface of the planar plate member 66. A pin 74 passes transversely through the upper ends of the brackets 72 and the outer ends thereof to pivotally receive the opposite sides 59 of the jack shaft 58. It is important to provide, in the plate 66, a plurality of spaced transverse slots 76, the purpose thereof to be hereinafter described.

A cleat plate 78 is pivotally secured to the planar shoe plate 66 at the rear portion thereof by a transverse pivot pin 80. The cleat plate generally comprises a pair of laterally spaced longitudinal angles 82 which are interconnected at the front end thereof by a cross plate 84. Transverse cleats 86 are welded to the spaced longitudinal angles 82 and project downwardly therefrom as seen, for example, in FIG. 6. It is important for the cleats 86 to register with the transverse slots 76 in the shoe plate 66. It is also important for the clearance between the sides of the slots 76 and the cleats 86 to be such as to assure appropriate cleaning or scraping of mud, dirt and other debris from the cleats 86 as they move in and out of register with the slots 76, in a manner to be hereinafter described. As the cleats 86 pass in and out of the slots 76 in a direction planar to the planar path 66, they are cleaned so as to substantially avoid slippage between the drive shoe l2 and the ground as the cleats 86 dig into the ground.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the jack shaft 58 is movable between a first or relatively downward angular position relative to the shoe plate 66, as seen in FIG. 2, and a raised or upward angular position relative to the shoe plate 70, as seen in FIG. 3. In the downward position of FIG. 2, the forward edges of the jack shaft 58 bear against a pair of spaced rollers 88 mounted on the outer ends of a cross shaft 90. The cross shaft 90 is rigidly secured to the sides of a cross bracket 91 welded to the upper cleat plate 78. The downward pressure from the downwardly angled jack shafts 58 assist in forcing the cleats 86 into the ground.

As the crank arm 54 pivots the jack shaft 58 from the angular position of FIG. 2 to that of FIG. 3, a pair of tension springs 92 assist in positively lifting the front of the plate 78 so as to be pivoted upwardly about the transverse pin 80, relative to the shoe plate 66, as seen in FIG. 3. Each spring 92 is secured at its opposite ends to one front side of the cleat plate 78 and to one of the spaced channels 59 of the jack shaft 58 as seen best in FIG. 3. The springs 92 engage in rigid ears 94 on both the shaft 58 and the cleat plate 78. As the jack shaft 58 pivots upwardly from the position of FIG. 2 to that of FIG. 3, the support 24 is driven in a forward direction. Since the cleats 86 dig into the ground, slippage is substantially avoided between the shoe 12 and the ground. At the same time, as the cleats 86 pass upwardly through the slots 76 in the plate 66, they are cleaned of mud or the like. Similarly, when the cleats 86 pivot back downwardly through the slots 76, as the jack shaft 58 moves downwardly from the position of FIG. 3 back to that of FIG. 2, the cleats 86 are again cleaned as they pass back down through the slotes 76. The structure provides substantial assurance that the ground engaging cleats 86 remain clean so as to avoid build-up of mud or dirt thereon, so as to avoid slippage between each propelling shoe 12 and the ground. Desirably, a chain 96 is interconnected between the rear of the jack shaft 58 and the rear cross brace 44.

Referring to FIGS. 813, an alternate and preferred propelling shoe assembly. generally 100, is shown. The intermediate support 24 of the embodiment of FIGES. 8-13 is of substantially the same construction as the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. The support 24 includes a forward brace 32 and a rear brace 34. Sliding shoes 38 are interconnected to the lower ends of the front brace 32 and the rear brace 34 by means of upright brackets 36 which are welded to each of the sliding shoes 38. Cross braces 44 are also used, as in the embodiment of FIGS. l-7. The embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 and 813 LII 'drive shaft 50, the ratchet wheel 52, the crank arm 54 and the pivot pin 56. Since the construction of the intermediate support 24 shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-13, is substantially the same as that shown in FIGS. 1-7, a further description thereof will not be provided in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 8-13.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 17, the jack shaft 102 comprises two spaced channels 103.

The sliding shoe 10 includes a planar plate 106 which is slidable along the ground and includes an upwardly angled front ski end 108. The plate 106 has a pair of spaced upright side walls 110 and an upright front wall 112 welded thereto. One transverse cleaning slot 114 is provided in the front half of the plate 106. A pair of spaced, upright brackets 116 are welded to the upper surface of the plate 106 rearwardly of the slot 114 and carry a transverse pivot pin 118 which passes between the brackets 116. The jack shaft halves 102 are pivotally carried by the pivot pin 118.

A cleat plate 120 is pivotally secured to the lower forward edges of the spaced jack shaft halves 102. The upper end of the cleat plate 120 is rigidly secured to a transverse rod 122. The opposite ends of the rod 122 are pivotally carried in a pair of spaced bearing members 124 which are rigidly secured to the outer, lower edges of the jack shaft halves 103. The lower end of the single cleat plate 120 passes through the slot 114 as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. As in the embodiment of FIGS; 1-7, the clearance between the cleat plate 120 and the slot 114 is such as to assure cleaning ofthe cleat plate 120 as it moves in and out of the slot 114, that is. from the position of FIG. 9 to that of FIG. 10. A pair of rigidifying ribs 126 are preferably secured to the rear face of the cleat plate 120. As seen in FIG. 10, as the cleat plate 120 is angled to the upper angled position, it is important for the lower edge of the plate 120 to remain in engagement with the slot 114 during the reciprocating movement thereof.

The embodiment of FIGS. 8-13 is preferred over the embodiment of FIGS. 17 because of its greater economy and simplicity of construction. As the jack shaft 102 is pivoted upwardly from the position of- FIG. 9 to that of FIG. 10, the cleat plate 120 passes upwardly through the slot 120 and at least the ground penetrating portion thereof is substantially cleaned of mud during such movement. At the same time, the movement of the jack shaft 102 from the position of 9 to that of FIG. 10, propels the support 24 forwardly as the cleat plate 120 digs into the ground. When the jack shaft 102 reaches the maximum raised position of FIG. 10, the downward pivoting movement again begins so as to again drive the support 24 in a forward direction. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 17, in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-13, the cleat plate 120 is cleaned of dirt both during the downward movement and the upward movement thereof so as to assure proper cleaning of the cleat as it penetrates the ground, to substantially avoid undue slippage between the propelling shoe 100 and the ground.

While in the foregoing, there has been provided a detailed description of the particular embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that all equivalents obvious to those having skill in the art are to be included within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an irrigation system of the type which includes an elongated, substantially horizontal water distribution pipe, means for pivotally mounting said pipe at one of its ends, means spaced along said pipe for supporting said pipe between one end and the other end thereof, and means for pivoting said pipe about said mounting means, said pivoting means including shoe means for drivably engaging said ground, the improvement comprising, in combination, shoe means having a substantially planar lower ground contacting surface, aperture means defined in said planar surface, drive shaft means pivotally interconnected to said shoe means, said drive shaft means being pivotable relative to said shoe means between first and second-positions, cleat means operatively interconnected to said drive shaft means, said cleat means including planar means guidably received by said aperture means transversely of said planar surace and movable into said ground, said planar means being movable in and out of the ground in response to movement of said drive shaft means between a ground disengaged condition when said shaft means is at said first position, and a maximum ground penetrating condition when said shaft means is at said second position.

2. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the clearance between said planar means and said aperture means assures substantial cleaning of said planar means as said planar means moves between said ground penetrating 8 condition and said ground-disengaged condition.

3. The mechanism of claim 1 including a plate member pivotally secured ,to said shoe means, said cleat means being rigidly interconnected to said plate member, and means for moving said plate member and thereby said cleat means between said ground disengaging condition and said ground penetrating condition.

4. The mechanism of claim 3 wherein said plate member moving means includes spring means interconnected between said drive shaft means and said plate member, a plurality of said aperture means are provided in said shoe means, and a plurality of said cleat means are carried on said plate member and pass through said aperture means, the clearance between said aperture means and said cleat means being such as to substantially clean said cleat means during movement between said ground disengaged condition and said ground penetrating condition.

5. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said cleat means is pivotally interconnected directly to said drive shaft means.

6. The mechanism of claim 5 wherein only one drive cleat means is provided and only one aperture means is provided in said planar surface of said shoe means, the clearance between said aperture means and said cleat means substantially assuring cleaning of said drive 

1. In an irrigation system of the type which includes an elongated, substantially horizontal water distribution pipe, means for pivotally mounting said pipe at one of its ends, means spaced along said pipe for supporting said pipe between one end and the other end thereof, and means for pivoting said pipe about said mounting means, said pivoting means including shoe means for drivably engaging said ground, the improvement comprising, in combination, shoe means having a substantially planar lower ground contacting surface, aperture means defined in said planar surface, drive shaft means pivotally interconnected to said shoe means, said drive shaft means being pivotable relative to said shoe means between first and second positions, cleat means operatively interconnected to said drive shaft means, said cleat means including planar means guidably received by said aperture means transversely of said planar surace and movable into said ground, said planar means being movable in and out of the ground in response to movement of said drive shaft means between a ground disengaged condition when said shaft means is at said first position, and a maximum ground penetrating condition when said shaft means is at said second position.
 2. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the clearance between said planar means and said aperture means assures substantial cleaning of said planar means as said planar means moves between said ground penetrating condition and said ground disengaged condition.
 3. The mechanism of claim 1 including a plate member pivotally secured to said shoe means, said cleat means being rigidly interconnected to said plate mEmber, and means for moving said plate member and thereby said cleat means between said ground disengaging condition and said ground penetrating condition.
 4. The mechanism of claim 3 wherein said plate member moving means includes spring means interconnected between said drive shaft means and said plate member, a plurality of said aperture means are provided in said shoe means, and a plurality of said cleat means are carried on said plate member and pass through said aperture means, the clearance between said aperture means and said cleat means being such as to substantially clean said cleat means during movement between said ground disengaged condition and said ground penetrating condition.
 5. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said cleat means is pivotally interconnected directly to said drive shaft means.
 6. The mechanism of claim 5 wherein only one drive cleat means is provided and only one aperture means is provided in said planar surface of said shoe means, the clearance between said aperture means and said cleat means substantially assuring cleaning of said drive cleat means. 